Sneffels of Conviction

What's the Challenge?    Finally taking on a personal conviction that has been put on the back burner for too long.

Who's Invited to Participate?   Anyone with a gnawing sense of responsibility toward a particular cause or goal in their lives that has gone unheeded, until now.

What's the Point?   Because we've wanted to, perhaps for a long time, and have been looking for a reason to finally 'tackle the challenge', 'take the plunge' and/or, 'slay the beast' (however you want to look at your own daunting 'mountain to climb'); otherwise there wouldn't be that gnawing sense of 'I should be doing this, now!', would there?

How Else Can This Challenge Be Utilized?  This isn't your ordinary 'to do' list.  This challenge is addressing the issue that leaves you feeling you haven't been giving your own life your best effort.  We all have different issues, and each is a mountainous task (to us, anyway) to face.  If they weren't, we would've overcome them by now.  So.......

* When addressing your goal, think of getting family or friends involved.  If they understand this area that burdens you, they can better support you and possibly join in the undertaking in their own lives.

*Children have a very narrow view of life, so far.  If you have kids directly involved in your life, break off a little piece of your goal to share with them.

*If you need to approach this mountain alone, keep in mind that I'm climbing my mountain, too.  Many people are.  Address this attempt as personal, not lone.


To see the blogpost that inspired this challenge and to answer the questions of 'Why does this challenge have such a stupid name?' and 'What do mountains have to do with any of this?' visit Climbing Sneffels at www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com.

Some tips to lead you forward:

*Whatever personal goal/conviction you are tackling, your efforts, defeats, and successes are your own.  No one achieves goals the same way as anyone else.  Whether someone did it faster or couldn't do it at all has no bearing on your own outcome.

*Conviction has a purpose.  It is a drive within ourselves to do what we know we should be doing or should have done.  Outside support isn't necessary for you to act on your own convictions.

*Often, there is more than one area in our lives that we want to approach with change or action.  Tackle each in its own time, with the first being the one that will aid most in achieving the others in their own turn.

*This change in your life doesn't have to have a deadline to its accomplishment (unless, of course, it's time sensitive).   Some goals involve a lifetime of change, with the growth of self being the ongoing challenge.  Pushing yourself too hard or jumping in headlong may well be your recipe for disaster.  Discouragement is often difficult to overcome so take your time to minimize its assurance.  In other words, take 'who you are' into consideration when approaching monumental goals.  If you need to take 'little bites' in other areas of your life, expect that approach to better serve you in this area.

Good luck, God speed and Congratulations!  (There is strength in optimism!)

Journey To The Center

What's the Challenge?  An introspective Q&A for personal growth

Who's Invited to Participate?  This one is for the adults.

What's the Point?  To eliminate the non-essentials from within our own selves in order to see more clearly and breathe more freely.

How Else Can This Challenge Be Utilized?  Each question can be seen as its own challenge.  If a particular question intrigues you, broaden the scope of its application or meaning in your life.

For a little more clarity, visit the post (Journey To The Center) that inspired this challenge at www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com


                                        Some Helpful Tips Before You Get Started

* This is not a posting exercise.  These questions are for you to meditate on, answer in your own time and act upon in your own way.

*Along the same lines as the above note, I encourage you to embark upon this venture alone.  Share it with you.  Let it be something you're doing for yourself without any need for feedback from outside sources.

*Keep in mind that what is important to you need not ever be important to anyone else.

*Our traumas and past choices do define part of who we are.  They can't be changed and consequently neither can some of their effects on us.  But there is another part of you that you can control.  Use this exercise to find that part.

*Introspective exercises can be used to encourage the acceptance of truths in our lives.  This acceptance helps smooth the path toward growth, healing and change.

So here we go!  Read all 15 questions then choose the ones you are ready to address first.  Work toward honestly answering each one in time.


Questions:

1) What have you experienced that disproves something you were once taught to      
      believe?

2) Of the lessons you've learned through past mistakes, which ones do you still apply
      today?

3) In which of your strengths are you most proud and how is this represented in your
     life?

4) What would it take for you to change your goals?

5) Other than finances, what do you consider to be the most cumbersome burden you
     bear?

6) In what way are you a healthy component in other people's lives?

7) What more is required for you to view yourself as 'complete'?

8) How often do you give?

9) What piece of wise advice do you apply to your everyday life?

10) In what ways are you actively nourishing your soul?

11) Who in your life has your best interests in mind?

12) What are the top three factors that influence your personal (not work related or  
       financial) decisions?

13) What advice would you give someone who's finding themselves succumbing to
        weakness?

14) What are the top five stress-relieving activities you would recommend to a child?

15) In what ways have you personalized the space in which you spend most of your
       'down time'?

Bio. Challenge

What's the Challenge?   A 75 word (or less) bio. of who you are and why you live.

Who's invited to Participate? Anyone and Everyone 

What's the Point?  As an inspirational exercise to help more clearly define your strengths and waken up your aspirations.  Receive a prize for participating!!

Prizes you say?!  Yes, I do.  Email me your address (which will be used only for this challenge and not posted or shared in any way) to crissygirl@care2.com to receive something via USPS that I feel will complement the person reflected in the Bio!

How else can this challenge be utilized?

* This makes a great family project; either as individual bio's for each member or as
    a 'Family Bio'.  Then,  post it/them onto your family blog or scrapbook.
* This is also a great team/classroom exercise for the group

Here's what you do:

1) Write your own bio in 75 words (or less, of course) and post it in the comments section of this challenge.

     Simple enough,right?  We'll see.....here are some tips for you:

     You have something to offer your family, your community and, in extension, the  
     rest of the world.  What is it?

     *A bio. is no place for modesty.  Assess your strengths.

     *A bio is factual.....in an optimistic way.  That means you DON'T LIE!  (it defeats
       the purpose, silly) but be grand in your description of yourself.

     *A bio. is not a list of goals but more a list of achievements and attributes of which
       you are proud.

2) Post your bio in the comments section under this challenge.  Note: comments are moderated so it will not post immediately but only after I've flagged it as appropriate.  And please keep in mind that this is a family friendly challenge so if your bio contains obscene language or inappropriate content (by mildly conservative standards) don't submit it for posting.

To see my bio. and the blog post that started not only this challenge but this entire Blog idea skip over to www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com (it's the '75 words or less' post).

Good luck and have fun!!